U Street

Standard Bar and BBQ Soft Opened this Weekend at 14th and S St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I thought you might like to know that I strolled by the BBQ place at 14th and S St, NW and they were open for the first time tonight [Friday]. The food looked pretty good (I didn’t try it, though, as I had already eaten) and they had Bell’s Two Hearted on tap – a personal favorite.”

Last Nov. we had an update on the new venture, Standard, which soft opened this weekend in the old, old Garden District space at the north east corner of 14th and S St, NW. At the time people were very optimistic. Based on the crowds (and smiles) I saw this Sunday afternoon – I’d say expectations were met. I stopped by last week to take a few photos of the inside but as you can see – the real appeal here is the amazing outdoor space. The beer options look good as does the bbq – but with weather like we had this weekend, this could be one of the best people watching spots in the city. Anyone happen to stop by this weekend?

After the jump lots more photos including the menu. (more…)

(Was it a) Good Deal or Not? Under Contract in 4 Days edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 2103 17th St, NW:


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The flier says:

“Sunny, spacious, 2 BR, 1.5 BA historic rowhouse on quiet street at nexus of Dupont Circle and U Street. 1180 sqft. , open flr plan on main level, hardwd floors, brick fireplace, granite counters, & stainless steel appliances. Master BA w/ jet tub, separate shower. Fenced & landscaped front and back. Charming front porch w/ wrought-iron railing, large back deck. 10 min. walk to Dupont or U St. metro.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I was eager to post this as a regular GDoN but I was shocked to see it is already under contract in only 4 days. I love the location but was surprised that it is only a 2 bedroom. This 2 bed/1.5 bath was listed for $650,000. Do you think it went for that?

Dear PoP – Sale of Vacant Lot next to the Floridian

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Looks like JBG just recently bought the neighboring lot to my building (The Floridian) for $10m! And looks like they are temporarily at least naming it after the existing building on the lot:

Address: 945 FLORIDA AV
SSL: 2873 0799
Neighborhood: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Land Area: 37,402
Triennial Group: 1
Owner and Sales Information
Owner Name: ATLANTIC RESIDENTIAL C LLC THE JBG COMPANIES
Mailing Address: 4445 WILLARD AVE STE 400; CHEVY CHASE MD20815-4641
Sale Price: $8,977,000
Recordation Date: 12/23/2010
Tax Year 2012 Preliminary Assessment Roll
Current Value (2011)
Land: $8,976,480
Improvements: $100
Total Value: $8,976,580
Taxable Assessment: * $8,976,580

Holy cow this could be huge. This is a really prime location. And JBG is a serious group. From their Web site:

JBG has vast experience in developing office, residential (both multi-family rental and for-sale condominiums), grocery anchored and urban retail, and hotels. In many cases, JBG develops these product types as mixed-use assets in very high barrier-to-entry markets which gives it a distinct competitive advantage.

JBG has developed, owned or managed over 30 million square feet of office space, 5.5 million square feet of retail space, 15,000 residential units and 15 hotel properties totaling over 4,500 rooms. It is currently responsible for development/redevelopment opportunities of approximately 8.5 million square feet of office space, 2.2 million square feet of retail space, 13,200 multi-family residential units and 2,500 hotel rooms throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.

I think at one point there were plans for condos and if I were a betting man I’d say that’s likely what we’ll see. I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.


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Judging Restaurants – Dukem

By Prince Of Petworth

When we judged nearby Etete Dukem, located at 1118 U St, NW, was also mentioned. And I noticed (I think) they just got a new sign – so I think it’s time for a proper of judging of Dukem not in comparison to others – but just Dukem. According to their Web site:

Dukem (pronounced DUK-em) named after a small city found south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The name “Dukem” brings nostalgic memories of the best ‘Tire Siga’ ( fresh red meat ) -a delicacy; it also brings up memories of leisure weekend travel as most families, friends that travel to the resort areas of Nazareth, Sodere, Langano and Awasa stop by Dukem on the way back to Addis Ababa.

It is with this tradition of Dukem city that Dukem Restaurant is founded in Washington DC. For most Ethiopians when they are at Dukem Restaurant they feel like they are back in Ethiopia as they meet and see old friends, catch up on family and friends separated by the Career focused busy American way of life. It’s this reason why most out of towners stop by Dukem first as they arrive to DC and why they make Dukem their last stop on their departure from the city.

You can see their menus here. Any fans? Any must order items?

Lost Society, Boutique Steakhouse, Coming to 14th and U St, NW (Above Subway)

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

Set for a Spring opening, owners announce the 14&U building will house a new restaurant, Lost Society.

Owned by a group of local investors, this boutique steakhouse, located on the second and third floors of this corner building, will feature a steak centric menu that blends market fresh produce, grass fed local meats, and regional seafood with innovative techniques to create both familiar classics and bold original dishes.

The space features full dining, bar and lounge space, as well as a rooftop deck.

Rumor has it that the space is designed to look like a Victorian Underground with peek-a-boo booths and spy mirrors. Now I’m gonna be honest with you – I’m not 100% sure what that means but I’m def. eager to check it out.

It’s always good to hear about more rooftop deck options. So what do you think – will a steakhouse will be a good fit here?

As one reader writes,

“There you have it. Something for everyone – Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Lost Society.”

New Taqueria Building at 1819 14th St, NW Popping Up

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in July we learned that the folks from nearby Masa 14 would be opening up a new Taqueria here at 1819 14th St, NW next to the Black Cat:

“New restaurant/Taqueria with entertainment serving Mexican cuisine. Entertainment to include acoustic bands, Mexican style music. Restaurant will have Summer Garden with 99 seats and a Sidewalk Café with14 seats. Total occupancy load is 274.”

Wow, I didn’t realize it would popping up. So far so good I think. You think the pop up will look ok?

PoP Preview – Touchdown – Opening Today at 1334 U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Jan. we learned that Touchdown would be replacing Momo’s Sports Bar and Codmother would be opening up on the ground level. I’m happy to report that Touchdown is opening up today and Codmother expects to open up in another month or so. I was able to attend a soft opening for Touchdown last night and snapped lots of photos.

For those familiar with the former Momo’s space – it is a very similar layout that feels much fresher and brighter. It continues to occupy two floors and the third floor space will likely feature some sorta music component but those plans weren’t revealed last night. But back to Touchdown, there is an ode to the 1924 Champion Senators and old baseball pictures cover many walls. But for soccer fans – fear not – there is still a DC United banner flying proudly.

You can see lots of photos including the menu after the jump but I just wanted to add one more cool feature from the bar – they are looking to include a bocce component in the nearby park on the 1300 block of V St, NW.

An email this morning lists some events for the Grand Opening today:

-UEFA Champions League:Arsenal vs. Barcelona 2:55p.m-5:00 p.m.
-NCAA Conference Tournaments All Day Long!!!!
-Happy Hour 3p.m.-7p.m.*(25% off Draft, Rail, and Food)
-Budweiser Power Hour 6p.m.-7p.m. Bud Girls, beads, Budweiser Buckets and we’re raffling off 2 tickets to D.C. United’s home opener!
-Bacardi Night Cap 9p.m.-11 p.m. Bacardi Girls, beads, Corona and Bacardi Limon shooters, and we’re raffling off 4 tickets to the Washington Wizards game on April 1, 2011!
-Happy Hour from Midnight-Close! *(25% off Draft, Rail, and Food!)


First floor

Lots more photos including the menu after the jump. (more…)

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